Michelle Worthington (text) and Nicky Johnston (illustrator), Mama’s Chickens, EK Books, 2023, $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781922539458
In the beginning Mama didn’t want to get chickens but once they arrived, she couldn’t imagine life without them. There were so many things to love from their beautiful feathers to the way they would follow her around the garden as if she was mother hen. She even loved just sitting and watching the way they fossicked about the place, each with their own idiosyncrasies. Her chicks didn’t need her to do much. Just be there and give all her love. Mama could always to do that.
The chickens act as a metaphor for Mama’s own children, and the story is beautifully supported by Nicky Johnston’s gentle pastel illustrations. This finely written picture book introduces the very young to the notion of early onset dementia and reassures the child that despite the changes that may occur to their parent they will always be loved.
Highly recommended for ages 4+
Reviewed by Mem Capp
